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We believe a good investment policy is one that remains the same regardless of market cycles or popular trends. The media headlines are short-term and should not affect long-term investment decisions. Investment goals should be modified only in conjunction with a major shift in your investment time horizon or risk tolerance.

We provide advisory services for affluent families and high-income individuals. We also provide advisory services for retirement plan sponsors.

The most important principle for any investor or financial professional to understand is risk. All investing involves trade-offs. For every potential gain, there is some associated risk- whether perceived or not. Investors tempted by the potential rewards of any investment should identify the nature and magnitude of the risks involved. A common characteristic of many effective investors is the simplicity of their investments. An investment program that is not easily understood is never a prudent idea.

1. Defense first, offense second. This usually means creating diversified portfolios of high-quality securities.
2. Investment allocations should be based on the investors' time horizon, goals, objectives, and personal tolerance for risk.
3. Goals should be accomplished in as efficient a manner as possible in terms of reducing taxes and not paying for services that add little or no incremental value to the investment process.

No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk including loss of principal.

An investor's risk tolerance is simple. How much money are you willing to lose? The answer to this question should drive investment allocations.

For many people, the time horizon for their investment portfolio planning may need to be longer than they initially think. Reaching retirement age is hardly a logical point at which to modify your investment policy. At the very least, you should plan for a period covering your life expectancy, and married couples should plan for a period covering their joint life expectancy. If you expect to bequeath a portfolio to your children and hope they will pass it on to subsequent generations, the time horizon for investment planning, for all practical purposes, becomes infinite.

Investment objectives are meaningfully expressed only in terms of investment time horizon and tolerance for risk and volatility, and not in terms of desired return. Everybody desires a maximum return but should expect to earn no more than what the markets in which they are invested bestow.

Kyle and Michael have been CFP® professionals for over 16 years, offering experienced financial guidance backed by a long-standing commitment to ethical standards and personalized planning. Why should you work with a CFP®? Watch the video below to learn more.